The palace hall was silent as guards stood by the ornate gate, which was beautifully designed.
A guard moved closer to the window, hoping to investigate the strange noise, but found nothing out of the ordinary. Just the bare palace walls and the distant glow of city lights. Feeling a sense of unease, he returned to his post, dismissing it as a figment of his imagination.
After a while, however, a voice broke the stillness from outside the large, intricately carved gates. It was the unmistakable voice of Princess Amelia Griffith.
Caught off guard, the guard quickly opened the gate. Amelia boldly stepped inside, gripping her royal dress with fierce determination. Her brown hair billowed behind her as she sprinted forward, her sharp blue eyes locked onto the door near the window in the left corner, driven by a strong sense of purpose.
She stepped toward the room, but just as she was about to open the oak door, a guard appeared in front of it. "Princess," he whispered, "I cannot let you enter. The king's orders state that not even the queen is allowed inside."
"Get out of my way," Princess Amelia snapped, her eyes filled with anger. She shoved him aside and, without any patience, continued, "I have important business to discuss with my father."
She shoved against him with all her strength, but he remained unmoved, solid as a wall. The other guard stood by, observing the scene unfold but remaining silent, not willing to intervene.
As he blocked her from entering the room, a voice suddenly rang out from across the space, commanding, "Let her in."
The guard was taken aback and turned to the oak door, bowing while holding his rifle against his shoulder. A tremor of fear colored his voice as he replied, "Yes... Yes, my king."
Princess Amelia smirked, lifted her skirt slightly, and walked past him while whispering, "Now, get out of my way."
He stepped aside without a word, bowed again, and returned to his post to guard the oak door, positioned just behind a table that held a vase of flowers.
As she opened the ancient-looking oak door, she felt a surge of energy emanating from it, followed by a howl-like sound as the door swung wide. As she stepped inside, she found herself in a library.
Tall bookshelves lined the wall, filled with books. She scanned the space, but all she could see was the moonlight streaming through the window. The window was situated between two bookshelves, facing the table that sat in front of her.
On the table, many pages were laid out alongside several books. At its center rested an inkpot and a feather, untouched. On the edge of the table sat a candle holder with five lit candles.
As she looked up, her gaze fell on a steam lamp hanging from the ceiling, illuminating most of the room. Her eyes settled on her father, King Augustus Griffith, who was seated on a couch near the table, his legs crossed as he read through some papers.
She tried to focus on the document he was reading, catching a glimpse of the words "ten sinners and seven shadows of Celestia." Just then, a thought crossed her mind: Does Father always enjoy reading fiction?
King Augustus concealed his face behind the papers but lowered them slightly as he addressed her. His deep tone was both kind and commanding.
"What's the matter? Why have you come to me at this hour, Princess?"
She shook her head, shaking off her thoughts, and approached him. "Father, Henry, the boy whom my mother chose to be my guard... He—" She hesitated, struggling to find the right words, then continued, "He jumped out of my window. When I went to check outside in a panic to see if he was alright, he—"
King Augustus interjected, completing her thought, "And he disappears. He wasn't lying on the ground covered in blood or anything, right?"
Princess Amelia was taken aback and nodded, whispering, "Yes…" She stepped closer to her father and added, "But how did you…?"
King Augustus stood up, placing the papers down on the table next to the candle holder. His brown hair was tied back, though slightly tousled. Dressed in his royal attire, he met Amelia's sweet blue eyes with his dark brown ones and, with a teasing tone, remarked, "It's normal in our palace. Your mother was like that before you."
He stepped beside her and placed his hand on her head, but she gently pushed his hand away and said, "It doesn't matter; what I came to tell you is different. It's about what he said before jumping out of the window."
The air felt heavier around them. He bound his hands behind his back, then turned toward the couch and sat down, tapping the surface two or three times while whispering, "Here, sit and tell me, Princess, what he said before jumping off."
She took a seat next to King Augustus, holding her skirt delicately in her lap. Once settled, she adjusted her skirt, trying to embody a royal demeanor. With a hint of fear in her voice, she began, "It happened five to ten minutes ago in my room. When he returned from his mission, I gave him…"
Suddenly, her thoughts drifted back.
Flashback:
Princess Amelia sat on the edge of her canopy bed, which was elegantly decorated to reflect her royal status. She waited anxiously for someone to arrive, her gaze fixed on the walls of her beautifully adorned room. It was a space that radiated royalty, befitting a princess.
Princess Amelia stood up and walked over to the mirror. After adjusting the chair in front of it, she sat down. She gazed into her own sharp blue eyes while brushing her fingers through her brown hair, lost deep in thought.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, pulling her out of her reverie. She stood up and adjusted her dress before hesitantly whispering, "Who is it?"
A deep but respectful voice replied from the other side of the door after a brief pause, "It's me, Henry. Princess, I have returned from the mission you assigned me."
Amelia's face brightened with joy, as if she had found heaven. She hurried to her bedside to open the door, gripping the intricately carved wooden handle. As the door creaked open, she saw a young man in his twenties, though he looked closer to nineteen. His black hair was tied back, and some dirt clung to it. His grey eyes, clear as a mirror, looked down in respect before her.
With one hand on his chest and the other resting at his back, he bowed slightly and said, "I have returned, my princess."
She smiled, feeling relieved, and placed her hand on his shoulder. Pride filled her voice as she whispered, "Stand tall, soldier; you passed your first mission given by me. I'm so proud of you."
Leaning back to face him, she opened her arms with warmth and added, "Welcome, Henry. You can now enter this room not just as a soldier or guard, but as my best friend."
He looked momentarily shocked but then smiled. With newfound confidence, he stepped forward and entered the room. Amelia quickly closed the door behind him without hesitation.
Henry rolled his eyes around the room, his gaze first landing on the candle holder that hung from the ceiling, illuminating the space. The holder supported up to ten candles, and below it, there was a tray designed to collect the wax dripping from the burning candles. He then shifted his attention to the side of the window.
There, he spotted a small desk positioned near the window, accompanied by a chair and a mirror. Some books were neatly arranged on the desk, and moonlight streamed in from the window, casting a soft glow over the surface.
On the mini desk, he noticed a vase of flowers. Beside it, mounted on the wall, was another candle holder with a lit candle. Drawn to the vase, he approached it and reached into the pocket of his guard's suit, pulling out a red helleborine flower.
Turning to Princess Amelia, he spoke respectfully, "If you permit me, I would like to add this flower to the vase, Princess."
She smiled, her eyes widening with joy and interest as she reached for the rare red helleborine. Leaning in closer, her voice filled with curiosity, she asked, "Where did you find it? It's Cephalanthera rubra, one of the rarest flowers in our empire. How did you come by it?"
Henry remained still, staring at the flower for a moment before responding. "I got it from a merchant of Lunévare in the market. He found it in the forest and had a few to sell. I thought you would like it. Although it may not have the fragrance of other flowers, it is beautiful in a vase and enhances the decoration's elegance."
She smiled widely, excitement gleaming in her eyes. Giggling, she rubbed her hands together while holding the flower and whispered, "Did you buy it just for this purpose? I doubt it. Hehehe. Anyway, thank you!"
The room was completely silent. A faint flicker of candlelight danced as Henry turned to her, watching her place the red helleborine in the vase. He smiled, let out a slow breath, and said, "I bought this because I think it's a lovely goodbye gift."
His voice was low and calm as he leaned down to pick up a book from the mini desk. Princess Amelia shook her head, standing tall with her eyes locked on him as a rush of air passed between them. She ran her fingers through her hair, smiled softly, and whispered, "You're a good joker. What do you mean by that?"
Henry didn't respond. Instead, he turned to the window and threw the book at it. The glass shattered—silent as a ghost. Amelia's eyes widened, and a shiver ran down her spine. She took a step back, whispering, "What… what did you do? You broke the glass, but it didn't make a sound. Why? Henry, answer me."
He walked to the window and shattered the remaining glass with his hand—still no sound. He opened his palm, peeled off his gloves, and in the blink of an eye, the book he had thrown flew back into his hand from outside.
Turning to her, his expression was stone-cold, and his grey eyes locked onto her bright blue ones. He tossed the book onto the desk with a soft thud. She opened her mouth to speak, but he cut her off. His voice was low and heavy, sending chills through her.
"This is goodbye, Princess Amelia Griffith. But before I leave, I want to tell you something… something you'll find interesting."
He glanced at the bed, where an empty wine glass sat, grabbed it, and then turned back to the window.
Sitting on the sill, eyes fixed on her, he was ready to jump. He said with a playful tone, "I'm done watching your royal family—and this whole monarchy—play their game."
His words sent a cold wave over Amelia. She dropped to her knees, trembling, sweat beading on her skin. He didn't give her a chance to speak.
"I've learned what it takes to rule a nation. Now, it's time for the next step. Amelia Griffith—daughter of King Augustus Griffith and the prettiest of the Griffiths—listen close: I'll take the throne of Velgravia from your family."
He paused, smirking, holding the wine glass like he was about to let it fall outside. "If you royals can rule, so can I. I'll show you what true rebellion looks like."
Then, he dropped the glass. As it tumbled down, he looked back at Amelia, shook his hand with a smile, and whispered, "So long, Princess. I'll see you when I return… for that throne."
He jumped from the window, but there was no sound of breaking glass and not even a whisper as he fell.
Amelia scrambled to her feet, heart racing, sweat dripping, rushing to the window to see what had happened. But there was no Henry. Nobody. He'd simply… vanished.
She panicked and ran towards the door of the room, calling for the guards as she opened it and rushed outside.
End Flashback.
After confiding in King Augustus, Princess Amelia looked up into his eyes, searching for his response. The room fell silent for a moment before King Augustus stood up, clasping his hands behind his back as he walked to the window. He gazed at the full moon outside.
His voice became deep, sending a commanding chill down Amelia's spine. "Was that all?"
He turned his gaze back to her, waiting for her reply, but she remained silent for a time. Finally, she stood up, leaned in close, and whispered angrily, "You think I'm joking?"
Amelia clenched her fist, her eyes awkwardly fixed on the bookshelf near the window. King Augustus gently rubbed her head and spoke in a calm tone, "Do you believe that a 19-year-old boy can defy the royal family? There's no need to worry, Princess. As for your desire to have him back in his position as your guard…" He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked steadily into her eyes. "I will give the order to find him. Besides, your older sister is planning a trip to the Caelvara Empire for urgent business. If he disappears from Velgravia, that's likely where he will go."
After hearing that, Princess Amelia's face lit up with joy. She looked up at King Augustus and whispered excitedly, "Thank you, Father! Thank you very much. But I have one more request…"
Before she could continue, he moved back to the couch, smiling as he replied, "Of course, I won't ask him about anything he said to you. It's between you and him."
She was once again happy as she moved toward King Augustus and hugged him. Letting out a sigh, she spoke in an innocent tone, "Thank you, Father. I appreciate it."
King Augustus smiled and placed his hand on her head, whispering while gazing at the table, "Now, how could I possibly turn down my prettiest daughter's request? Now go back to your room and rest for today. Don't worry about anything; just relax."
She nodded and turned toward the door to leave. After she opened the door and stepped out of the room, King Augustus relaxed. He stood in front of the window, looking outside, and called for the guard to come in, with both hands clasped behind his back.
The guard rushed into the room, bowing as he addressed the king. "My lord, you summoned me?"
King Augustus remained still, gazing out the window at the moon. In a deep, commanding voice, he replied, "Find Princess Amelia's guard, Henry, and kill him. Make sure no one knows."
That guard nodded and left silently. King Augustus leaned back on the couch and resumed reading papers without any concern or hesitation.
…
Three days later, in the Caelvara Empire's Capital city, Hanveraine…
People stroll through the cobblestone streets of Caelvara, passing each other as they go about their daily activities. The plazas are bustling with people, while the cafes, though not crowded, have patrons leaning in and out. Along the sides of the roads and streets, artists, musicians, and other talented individuals showcase their skills to passersby. The rhythmic clip-clop of horses' hooves echoes on the streets, carried by the gentle breeze.
The walls lining the streets are covered in ivy, and iron balconies adorned with flower vases overlook the scene. Children are playing on the balconies, while lace curtains flutter in the gentle breeze. Sharply dressed gentlemen, some wearing top hats, stroll about, and ladies are elegantly attired, passing through streets and roadsides.
In the center of the plaza, where all the roads and streets converged, stood a stone fountain. Water flowed gently from ornate spouts into the basin below, shimmering in the sunlight. Surrounding the fountain and lining the edges of the plaza were numerous flowerbeds, each filled with a variety of beautiful flowers. Their fragrance filled the entire plaza, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.
Near the large flowerbed stood a perfume shop called Maison des Parfums Moreau(MoreauPerfume House). From the fountain's side, you could see its large windows, framed by intricately carved stone, glowing warmly in the daylight. Through the glass, delicate bottles sparkled like treasures on dark wooden shelves, and a subtle, sweet scent of flowers wafted out, inviting anyone nearby to step inside.
In the shop, the air was filled with delightful fragrances as many people came and went to buy perfumes. The shop itself was larger than usual, attracting both couples and singles who were browsing for the perfect scent. Several staff members were available to assist customers in selecting the best perfumes from the extensive collection on the shelves. These shelves boasted a wide variety of options. Near the shelves, a door led to the factory where the perfumes were crafted, but only authorized personnel were permitted to enter.
Henry entered the shop, narrowing his eyes here and there in the shop. He saw three to four gas lamps hanging from the ceiling, lighting up the shop. After examining everything, he moved toward the counter where a beautiful young lady was standing, working on a glass bottle of perfume with her hands.
She appears to be in her 20s, with her blonde hair partially styled at the top while the majority flows freely down her back. Her striking golden eyes are fixed on a glass perfume bottle, contemplating its design. She is dressed in a crimson-colored top and a black skirt that reaches her feet. Her hat, a blend of crimson and black, features a red feather and is adorned with two red roses and one black rose on top. She wore deep red lipstick on her lips.
She didn't pay attention to Henry's arrival and focused on her work. Henry leaned close to the counter and sat in a nearby chair. He placed his elbow on the counter and eventually rested it there. With a respectful but engaged tone, she spoke while continuing her tasks, "How may I help you, sir?"
Henry remained silent for a moment. As the sound of sharp iron against glass filled the quiet space, he finally whispered, "I would like to buy XIII Récif (Thirteen Reef) perfume." He paused briefly before adding, with a deep inflection in his voice, "And I would like to purchase it as a member of the Ordre du Miroir Noir (Order of the Black Mirror), if you don't mind, Madame Éloïse Moreau."
After hearing this, every staff member in the shop fell silent and stared at Henry. The girl with blonde hair paused her work on the glass bottle, set it down, and leaned in close to him. She whispered in his ear, "Wait... how do you know all of that? And... how did you find out my name?"
Henry smiled after hearing what she whispered in his ear. He didn't respond verbally; instead, he reached for the glass bottle of perfume that Éloïse Moreau was working on and began to examine it. The atmosphere around them felt charged, and every staff member watched him as if he had committed an unpardonable offense.